CBS Sports names Falcons' biggest need going into roster cuts

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CBS Sports names Falcons' biggest need going into roster cuts

CBS Sports names Falcons' biggest need going into roster cuts

Tim Weaver, Falcons Wire · Falcons Wire

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Atlanta Falcons have since had two holes open up on their edge rotation, but otherwise they still have the same two biggest roster needs they had going into the 2026 NFL Draft.

Despite using a Day 2 pick on Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch and having signed veterans Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, wide receiver is still this team's biggest need as roster cuts approach, according to Josh Edwards at CBS Sports .

"Even the most diehard fan would have a difficult time coming up with Atlanta's second-string receivers right now. Drake London is the belle of the ball, but Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus are the only others who have had more than a cup of tea in the NFL. The hope is that third-round pick Zachariah Branch will progressively take on more this season..."

We know that Drake London is going to put in a top-10 year , no matter who's starting at quarterback. That's where the sure things end at this position, though.

It's too early to tell what Branch is going to be at this level, especially in his rookie year. Zaccheaus has never been more than a glorified WR4 in his career. The real problem is there's just no confidence to be found in Dotson - who hasn't impressed since his rookie season with Washington.

If Dotson can prove all his critics wrong and show he's worth a legitimate WR2 role it will answer a lot of questions for Kevin Stefanski's offense. If he does not though then the Falcons still have a huge hole to fill beneath London.

Unfortunately, every quality free agent wide receiver under 30 years old has already been signed, so Atlanta will have to wait until roster cuts on Monday to try to plug this hole. One name to watch there is that of John Metchie III , who's been a preseason standout for Carolina but faces a crowded picture in their wide receiver room.

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Falcons vs. Colts: Photos from Saturday's preseason game

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Goodson (25) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (18) celebrate after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)